EPA proposes ban on ongoing uses of asbestos

EPA announced it will release a proposed rule to ban chrysotile asbestos, the only known form of asbestos that’s currently imported into the U.S., which is found in products like asbestos diaphragms, sheet gaskets, brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes/linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets.

The proposed rule would prohibit manufacture (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, and commercial use of chrysotile asbestos for six categories of chrysotile asbestos-containing products:

• asbestos diaphragms,

• sheet gaskets,

• oilfield brake blocks,

• aftermarket automotive brakes and linings,

• other vehicle friction products, and

• other gaskets.

EPA says the proposed prohibition on the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce also will address consumer exposure to chrysotile asbestos. The bans relating to asbestos diaphragms and sheet gaskets for commercial use would take effect two years after the effective date of the final rule; the bans relating to oilfield brake blocks, aftermarket automotive brakes and linings, other vehicle friction products, and other gaskets for commercial use would take effect 180 days after the effective date of the final rule.

This is the first-ever risk management rule issued under the new process for evaluating and addressing the safety of existing chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that was enacted in 2016.

EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register via docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2021-0057 at regulations.gov.